Right before the September 16th deadline for the new CBA rules, the New Jersey Devils handed newly acquired top-six forward Luke Evangelista a five-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.25 million. Given that the extension kicks in during the 2027-28 season, the deal takes him through his age-30 season, lining up with the expiration of Nico Hischier's extension as well.
The agreed-upon structure of the deal was only able to get done under the previous CBA, given the limitations instituted on signing bonuses. As of September 16th, the maximum allowable percentage of a payout via bonuses is 60%, whereas 77% of Evangelista's $36.25 million owed will be paid out that way. It was the very last contract signed under the old CBA.
Of note, it was not the eight-year term many -- including us -- were hoping for. However, it's a relatively long-term deal nonetheless, and the shorter term has its merits for both sides. For the player, he'll get paid now and will get to earn another payday prior to the twilight of his career, and for the team, it gives them a more reasonable AAV to work with and gives them the flexibility to jump ship if the current Cup window doesn't pan out. On that token, Evangelista has very limited trade protections in the last three years of his deal, with fewer than 10 teams on his NTC in each.
Luke Evangelista should be everything the Devils hoped for throughout his contract
Moreover, the Devils are getting a top-line talent at a bargain considering the landscape of contracts signed prior to the CBA deadline. Evangelista's underlying metrics are outright some of the best in the league -- there's a reason that Steven Stamkos produced more goals per hour with Evangelista by his side than any other forward in Nashville who he spent at least 200 minutes with. Evangelista's playmaking chops are absurd, his defensive game is responsible, and he can contribute as a dual threat in transition and off the cycle.
A $7.25 million AAV for a player who could push 70-plus points with pristine two-way impact is very much in the cards, especially if he is stapled to two of the Devils' best four forwards for the majority of the season. The expectation should be that he takes another leap forward from his career-best 56-point campaign. It's entirely possible that his contract looks like one of the steals of the league before it even kicks in.
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